We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with
our furry companions, but being overeager in hot weather can spell danger,
ASPCA experts warn. "Most people love to spend the warmer days enjoying
the outdoors with friends and family, but it is important to remember that some
activities can be dangerous for our pets," said Dr. Camille DeClementi,
Senior Toxicologist at the ASPCA's Animal
Poison Control
Center
Visit the Vet
A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer
check-up is a must. Make sure your pets get tested for heartworm if they aren't
on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions?
Ask your doctor to recommend a safe flea and tick control program. Made in the
Shade Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean
water when it's hot outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out
of the sun, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when
it's extremely hot.
Know the Warning Signs
Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or
difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild
weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody
diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to
heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the
elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept
cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible. No Parking!
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
"On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no
time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke,"
says Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Hospital. Also,
leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several
states.
Make a Safe Splash
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool-not all dogs are good
swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear
flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove
chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool
water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach
upset. Screen Test "During warmer months, the ASPCA sees an increase in
injured animals as a result of High-Rise Syndrome, which occurs when
pets-mostly cats-fall out of windows or doors and are seriously or fatally
injured," says Dr. Murray. "Pet owners need to know that this is
completely preventable if they take simple precautions." Keep all
unscreened windows or doors in your home closed and make sure adjustable
screens are tightly secured.
Summer Style
Feel free to trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your
dog: The layers of dogs' coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.
Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
And be sure that any sunscreen or insect repellent product you use on your pets
is labeled specifically for use on animals. Street Smarts When the temperature
is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the
ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
Avoid Chemicals
Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse
and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and
dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. When walking your dog, steer clear
of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other
chemicals. Keep citronella candles, oil products and insect coils out of pets'
reach as well. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal
Poison Control
Center
Party Animals
Taking Fido to a backyard barbeque or party? Remember that the
food and drink offered to guests may be poisonous to pets. Keep alcoholic
beverages away from pets, as they can cause intoxication, depression and comas.
Similarly, remember that the snacks enjoyed by your human friends should not be
a treat for your pet; any change of diet, even for one meal, may give your dog
or cat severe digestive ailments. Avoid raisins, grapes, onions, chocolate and
products with the sweetener xylitol.
Fireworks Aren't Very Pet-riotic Please leave pets at home
when you head out to Fourth of July celebrations, and never use fireworks
around pets. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns
or trauma to curious pets, and even unused fireworks can be hazardous. Many
types of fireworks contain potentially toxic substances such as potassium
nitrate, copper, chlorates, arsenic and other heavy metals.
Source: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/hot-weather-tips
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